USCIS Nationwide Hold on Immigration Benefits FAQ

• What is changing?

  On December 2, 2025, USCIS issued a policy memorandum implementing an immediate hold on all pending immigration benefit requests and review of previously-approved benefits for individuals from 19 "high-risk" countries listed in President Trump's June 2025 travel ban.

• Which countries are affected?

  Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

• What is the stated purpose?

  To allow USCIS to fully assess all national security and public safety threats to the United States.

• What applications are on hold?

  The pause on benefit requests applies to all petitions and applications, including:

  • All nonimmigrant petitions (H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-2, etc.)

  • I-140 immigrant petitions

  • I-485 adjustment of status applications

  • I-765 work authorization applications and renewals

  • I-131 travel documents

  • I-90 green card renewals

  • Naturalization applications

  • All asylum applications (Form I-589), regardless of nationality

• Does premium processing override the hold?

  No. The 15-day premium processing guarantee does not override the mandatory hold.

• Will previously-approved benefits be reviewed?

  Yes. USCIS will conduct a comprehensive re-review of previously approved benefits for impacted individuals who entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021. These individuals may require re-interviews.

• Are dual nationals affected?

  The policy applies to persons who list one of the 19 countries as their country of birth or citizenship on USCIS applications, but it is unclear if dual nationals are subject to re-review of previously approved benefit requests.

• I have an approved H-1B/L-1/I-140. Am I affected?

  Potentially. If you entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021 and are from one of the 19 countries, your approved benefit may be subject to re-review, and you may be required to attend a re-interview.

• Can USCIS revoke my approved benefits?

  The memorandum doesn't explicitly state USCIS will revoke approved benefits, but the re-review policy creates uncertainty about the finality of approvals.

• My EAD is expiring soon. What happens?

  If EAD renewals are not processed due to the hold, you may lose work authorization entirely despite having an approvable green card application. Contact an attorney immediately if your EAD expires within 90-180 days.

• I'm an employer with affected employees. What should I expect?

  • Significant delays in new hires, transfers, and extensions

  • Cascading delays throughout the green card process

  • Potential work authorization gaps for employees with expiring EADs

  • Uncertainty about employees you considered to have stable immigration status

• Should affected employees travel internationally?

  We strongly recommend that impacted persons discuss with immigration counsel before traveling internationally. 

• I have urgent travel needs. What should I do?

  Consult with an immigration attorney before making any travel plans, particularly if you have pending applications or may be subject to re-review.

• Are all asylum applications affected regardless of nationality?

  Yes. All pending asylum applications (Form I-589) irrespective of nationality or country of birth are subject to an indefinite hold for comprehensive review.

• How long will this hold last?

  Indefinite. USCIS has not provided a timeline for when the hold will be lifted or how long re-reviews will take.

• Where can I get help?

  Contact our office immediately if you are affected, particularly if you have documents expiring within 90 days or need guidance on travel plans.